Apparatus for injecting soil treatments

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soil includes a manifold head having at least one high pressure nozzle for injecting the soil treatment into the soil and a handle having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The handle comprises an upper portion having two spaced-apart tubular shafts and a lower portion having two spaced-apart tubular shafts. The tubular shafts of the lower portion are connected to the tubular shafts of the upper portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/033,469 filed Feb. 23, 2011, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/307,183, filed on Feb. 23,2010, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/307,178 filedon Feb. 23, 2010. Each of these applications is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The field of the disclosure relates generally to soil treatments, andmore particularly to methods and apparatus for applying soil treatments(e.g., pesticides) below the ground surface using a handheld applicationtool in a manner which does not disturb the soil surface before the soiltreatment is injected.

The insertion of soil treatments into the soil near buildings has beenused to prevent or reduce the infestation of insects or other pests.Without treatment, these pests can be become a significant nuisance orhazard to a building owner or its occupants. Such pests are known toattack the structure of buildings and may infiltrate the buildingcausing other problems for its occupants.

At least one known method of soil treatment includes an application ofpesticides, fertilizers, or other soil treatments by direct placementinto the soil under and around structures, around or near ornamentalplantings, poles, fences, decks, or other wooden elements. This directplacement method includes digging, trenching and/or rodding (i.e.,forcing an application device into the soil), and then directly placingthe soil treatment into the dug out area of the trench. This knownmethod can cause damage to vegetation, disrupt landscaping, and greatlyimpact or diminish the aesthetic beauty and value of the treated areauntil either the plants recover or new plantings are installed.

For example, in some common termite treatments direct placement of atermiticide into the soil around structures involves the digging of atrench approximately 4 to 6 inches wide by 6 inches deep into which atermiticide composition is applied at a rate of 4 gallons per 10 linearfeet of trench per foot of depth. In addition to the application of thesoil treatment to the trench, soil treatment may also be dispensed intothe ground through the use of a rod injection tool, which is plungeddown into the ground or to the top of a footer (i.e., a part of thebuilding's foundation). For a typical structure having a perimeter of200 linear feet, the time to prepare, dig, inject, and finish theapplication of soil treatment requires at least 4 to 6 hours dependingon the type of soil and whether the application is conducted by a pairof or a single technician(s).

Another known method of soil treatment includes the direct insertion ofa tool down into the ground and delivering the pesticides, fertilizers,or other soil treatments into the ground Applying the soil treatmentsbelow the surface of the soil has been used as a way of limiting thewash off of the treatments. Typical devices for implementing such soiltreatments have utilized needles or other mechanical devices to create apassageway into the soil to allow the soil treatment to be inserted intothe ground. These devices have the obvious limitation that they createholes in the soil, which may be unsightly, or create other adverseconcerns, such as unwanted soil compaction adjacent the insertionsights, as well as require the creation of the hole using mechanicalforces. Moreover, devices that are pushed into the ground can becomecontaminated with soil borne pathogens or other contaminates that canpotentially be transferred to the next injection site.

The use of high pressure flows as a method of effectively injectingmaterials below the soil surface has been described before, such as inU.S. Pat. No. 5,370,069 to Monroe, titled Apparatus and Method forAerating and/or Introducing Particulate Matter into a Ground Surface.These methods use high pressure jets of a fluid, such as air or waterthat entrain the soil treatment agent, whether the soil treatment agentis in solution with the fluid, or a granular material carried with thefluid. The high pressure jet can form a small hole in the surface intowhich the material is being placed, or cause the material to be absorbedby the surface in a rapid fashion, such that soil disturbance isminimal. One benefit of the use of a pressure jet is that no mechanicaleffort is required to create a passageway as a predicate for the soiltreatment material to be placed below the surface of the soil. Nor isany other disturbance of the soil required, such as placing a tooldirectly down below the ground surface.

While devices such as that disclosed in Monroe are effective at placingsoil treatment materials below the surface, they are designed todistribute such materials both a short distance below the soil surfaceand over a large open space area, where the size of the equipment is nota limitation. These known devices are not suitable for strategicallyinjecting soil treatments to greater depths within the soil under andaround structures, ornamental plantings, poles, fences, decks and otherwood elements where treatments relating particularly to treatmentsagainst insects infestation are common

Accordingly, a handheld high pressure application tool for applying soiltreatments (e.g., termiticide or other pesticide) beneath the surface ofthe ground adjacent a structure is needed. Such a handheld tool wouldpermit an operator to strategically position the tool around a structuresuch as a house, a deck, any landscaping that may be near the houseand/or deck, around utility poles, and around plants. The tool couldinclude multiple nozzles for applying a predetermined amount of soiltreatment at a controlled pressure for injecting the soil treatment downto a desired predetermined depth. This would allow for precisionapplications where the area of application is carefully controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soilgenerally comprises a manifold head having at least one high pressurenozzle for injecting the soil treatment into the soil. A handle has alongitudinal axis, a lateral axis, an upper portion having twospaced-apart tubular shafts and a lower portion having two spaced-aparttubular shafts. The tubular shafts of the lower portion are connected tothe tubular shafts of the upper portion.

In another aspect, apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soilgenerally comprises a handle having a pair of hand grips forfacilitating manual manipulation of the apparatus by an operator. Thehand grips are selectively moveable from a first position on the handleto a second position on the handle. At least one high pressure nozzle isprovided for injecting the soil treatment into the soil and a supply ofsoil treatment is in fluid communication with the at least one highpressure nozzle.

In yet another aspect, apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soilgenerally comprises a handle having an upper portion and a lowerportion. The lower portion is angled relative to the upper portion. Atleast one high pressure nozzle is carried by the lower portion of thehandle and is adapted to inject the soil treatment into the soil. Asupply of soil treatment is in fluid communication with the at least onehigh pressure nozzle.

In still another aspect, apparatus for injecting soil treatment intosoil generally comprises a handle and a manifold head carried by thehandle. The manifold head has a plurality of a pressure nozzle forinjecting the soil treatment into the soil and thereby define aninjection site. A kick guard extends outward from at least one side ofthe manifold head to block debris that may be kicked-up during theinjection of soil treatment.

In still yet another aspect, a high pressure injection system forinjecting soil treatment into soil generally comprises a supply cart anda handheld portable application tool connected to the cart via a conduitdefining a fluid passageway and at least one electrical connection. Ahose reel is mounted on the supply cart. The hose reel comprises aspool, a mounting bracket for mounting the spool to the supply cart, anda handle for manually rotating the spool relative to the mountingbracket. The spool is rotatable relative to the mounting bracket usingthe handle to wind and unwind the conduit about the spool. The handleincludes a rotary electrical connector for feeding the electricalconnection to the conduit wound about the spool.

In yet a further aspect, a valve and conduit defining a fluid passagewaythat can be opened and closed to allow the flow of fluid, gases or thecombination of the two to bypass an electronic actuator thereby purgingthe line of any gases traveling in the conduit that may interrupt orcause intermittent flow of fluids through the conduit and manifold heador releasing fluid pressure from the conduit prior to disconnecting theconduit leading from the supply cart and connecting to the handheldportable application tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a high pressure injection systemfor injecting a termiticide into the ground in accordance with anexemplary embodiment in which the system includes a base unit and ahandheld application tool.

FIG. 2 is a front view schematic illustration of the handheld portableapplication tool of FIG. 1 with parts cut away.

FIG. 3 is a side view schematic illustration of the handheld portableapplication tool of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic illustration of an elongated shapedmanifold head for use with the application tool.

FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic illustration of an arcuate shapedmanifold head for use with the application tool.

FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic illustration of the manifold headshown in FIG. 2 having low pressure nozzles positioned adjacent to highpressure nozzles.

FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic illustration of the manifold headshown in FIG. 2 having low pressure nozzles concentric with highpressure nozzles.

FIG. 8 is a bottom schematic illustration of the manifold head shown inFIG. 2 having nozzles on the perimeter for applying marking materials.

FIG. 9 is a side view schematic illustration of the base unit shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a top plan schematic illustrating the high pressure injectionsystem of FIG. 1 being used to inject termiticide into the soil adjacenta structure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic illustration of a manifold head thatincludes multiport center nozzles.

FIG. 12 is a perspective schematic illustration of a manifold head thatincludes four center nozzles.

FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic illustration of another embodiment ofa handheld application tool.

FIG. 14 is a perspective schematic illustration of the handheldapplication tool of FIG. 13 but with a trigger switch of the tool beingactuated.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a high pressure injection systemfor injecting a termiticide into the ground in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment in which the system includes a base unit and ahandheld application tool.

FIG. 16 is a front view schematic illustration of the handheld portableapplication tool of FIG. 15 with parts cut away.

FIG. 17 is a side view schematic illustration of the handheld portableapplication tool of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of a high pressure injection systemfor injecting a termiticide into the ground in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment in which the system includes a base unit and ahandheld application tool.

FIG. 19 is a front view schematic illustration of the handheld portableapplication tool of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side view schematic illustration of the handheld portableapplication tool of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a back view schematic illustration of the handheld portableapplication tool of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective schematic illustration of a hose reelremoved from the base unit of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

A high pressure injection system for applying a soil treatment (e.g.,pesticide, insecticide or termiticide) beneath the surface of the groundis described below in detail. It is understood that the system disclosedherein can be used to apply any suitable soil treatment includingpesticide, insecticide, or termiticide and can be used to inhibit orcontrol various types of pests. For example, it may be desirable toinhibit and/or control termites, ants, cockroaches, beetles, earwigs,silverfish, crickets, spiders, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions,pillbugs, sowbugs, flies, mosquitoes, gnats, moths, wasps, hornets,bees, and the like. As used herein, the term “pesticide” refers to anysubstance or mixture for preventing, destroying, repelling, ormitigating any pest including insects, animals (e.g., mice, rats),plants (e.g., weeds), fungi, microorganisms (e.g., bacteria andviruses), pseudocoelomates (e.g., nematodes) and prions. The term“insecticide”, which is a type of pesticide, is used herein to mean anysubstance or mixture for preventing, destroying, repelling, ormitigating insects. The term “termiticide”, which is a type ofinsecticide, is used herein to mean any substance or mixture forpreventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating termites.

Although the methods and systems described herein relate to theapplication of termiticides beneath the surface of the ground, themethods and systems could also be used to apply pesticides,insecticides, or other soil treatments. The use of termiticides asdescribed herein is not intended to be limiting in any way. Rather, itis for exemplary purposes. The methods and systems described herein maybe used, therefore, to apply any type of soil treatment beneath theground (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, other soil conditioning materialsand insect treatments including insecticides placed around the perimeterof a structure), and is in no way limited to only termiticides.

The methods and systems described herein include a termiticide fluidsupply cart (a base unit), and a portable handheld application tool thatfacilitates the application or injection of termiticides into the soilunder and around structures, ornamental plantings, poles, fences, decksand other wood elements. The example embodiment eliminates the need toapply termiticides using certain known techniques such as digging,trenching, and/or rodding, which all require mechanically disturbing atleast the surface of the ground or soil. These known techniques cancause damage to vegetation, disrupt landscaping, and impact or diminishthe aesthetic beauty and value of the treated area until the plantsrecover or new plantings are installed.

The application system described herein includes an application toolthat has a tee-handle at the top of the tool and a manifold assembly atthe bottom of the tool. The tee-handle includes a hand grip portion oneach side of a vertical shaft that extends between the handle and themanifold assembly. The hand grip portions may include rubber grips toaid in holding the tool during application and to reduce hand strain.The vertical shaft of the tool consists of several parts that allow theshaft to compress, when the handle is pushed down, much like a pogostick. The compression of the shaft activates an electronic triggeringswitch (broadly, “an actuator”) that temporarily opens a dischargevalve, for example a poppet. When the operator has the manifold assembly(i.e., device plate) in position on the ground, the operator uses thehandle to apply a downward pressure (approximately 15-20 pounds) ontothe shaft to actuate the trigger switch, which in turn causes a singleinjection of termiticide into the ground. The operator must release thepressure applied to the shaft to disengage the switch, which results inthe system being reset.

In the example embodiment, the switch actuates the discharge valve asingle time for each compression of the shaft. Thus, for eachcompression of the shaft, the discharge valve is opened a single timeand a predetermined quantity of termiticide is discharged from the tool.The switch of tool is reset when the shaft is released. The nextapplication can then be made by again compressing the shaft.

The application tool also includes a mounting bracket that mounts themanifold assembly to the shaft. This bracket allows the application heador manifold assembly to pivot about at least one axis. This allows theoperator to adjust the tool such that the manifold assembly is properlypositioned before activating the application switch.

The manifold assembly includes an inlet port, a discharge valve, aplurality of high pressure nozzles, a manifold head, and a contact platefor protecting the plurality of high pressure nozzles. The system alsoincludes at least one high pressure liquid line and electricalconnections that extend between the supply cart and the handheldapplication tool. The system also includes a pressure manifold and anelectronic controller (broadly, “a valve closer”) that sets the lengthof time the discharge valve remains open during each activation of theelectronic switch.

In operation, a measured dose of a liquid termiticide concentrate from acontainer housed on the supply cart is mixed with measured supply ofwater and fed to the application tool by an inline injection system. Inanother embodiment, the termiticide solution is supplied to theapplication tool from a tank or container without the need of an inlineinjection pump or device. In yet another embodiment, the termiticideconcentrate can be carried by the operator and housed in a transportablecontainer formed into and/or held within a backpack, a shoulder holster,a sling, a belt holster, a leg holster, or other suitable device capableof holding the pesticide container.

The methods and systems described herein utilize high pressure to injectthe termiticide into soil beneath the surface of the ground. The highpressure injection system described herein differs from at least someknown liquid injection systems that apply termiticides for soilapplication in that the current industry standard liquid termiticideinjection systems inject liquids into the ground using pressures of 25to 35 psi and through a single injection port or tip. The example systemdescribed herein injects the termiticide solution into the ground atpressures ranging from about 50 psi to about 10,000 psi, and in anotherembodiment, from about 1,000 psi to about 7,000 psi, and in yet anotherembodiment, at about 4,000 psi.

In operation, the application tool is set at a desired pressure forapplying the termiticide. The operator then places the manifoldassembly, and more specifically, the contact plate, which protects theinjection nozzles, in a desired application area. The desired area maybe, for example, adjacent to a wall or foundation of a structure. Theoperator then press down on the application handles to compress theshaft of the tool. This downward pressure causes the upper and lowerportions of the device shaft to come together thereby activating anelectronic switch. The switch would temporarily open the discharge valveand allow a predetermined amount of termiticide solution to pass throughthe high pressure injection nozzles and into the ground. The switchwould only allow a single charge (i.e., a predefined amount oftermiticide solution) to pass through the nozzles. The switch is resetby releasing the pressure on the handle and allowing the two parts ofthe electronic switch to separate. The operator applicator would thenlift or slide the handheld application tool along the wall to the nextapplication point and press down on the handle again, thus repeating theinjection of the termiticide solution into the soil. The operatorcontinues to move the handheld application tool and inject termiticideuntil the desired application is area is injection. In one example, thedesired application area is the perimeter of the structure so that abarrier of termiticide completely surrounds the structure and therebyinhibits termites from passing through the barrier to the structure.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic switch could be positionedon or near the tee-handle portion of the tool where it could beactivated by the operator pressing down on a button or switch with afinger or thumb. In another embodiment, the tool could include aposition marker, such as a foam, dust, powder, paint, or a dye materialthat would be applied when the termiticide is applied. The positionmarker would apply a marking material to the ground to mark the positionof the contact plate during each application. This would allow theoperator to visually determine where an application has been made andwhere the device plate should be re-positioned to ensure that acontinuous application of the termiticide is made around the perimeterof the structure. The marker would also aid in preventing over or underapplication of the termiticide solution in the application area.

The high-pressure application tool and methods of using the same asdescribed herein have many advantages over the known systems. Forexample, the tool described herein may include an inline injectionassembly which eliminates the need to mix large volumes of thetermiticide solution, and reduces the hazards associated withtransporting or handling large volumes of termiticide solutions onpublic roadways or on private property. The use of the high-pressureinjection tool also eliminates the need for digging (i.e., trenching)before applying the termiticide solution into the ground. This reducesthe destruction of the landscaping and/or natural vegetation around theperimeter of a structure being treated. The high-pressure injection toolalso reduces or eliminates the need for rodding into the soil with anapplication device in order to apply the termiticide solution. Thehigh-pressure tool can also be programmed to deliver a specific volumeof termiticide solution per nozzle, and control the depth to which thesolution penetrates into the soil by controlling the applicationpressure. By controlling the volume and the pressure, the applicationvolume of the termiticide can be reduced by 25% to 80% of a normalliquid termiticide application, thus saving cost and reducing demands onwater. This is especially important in drier climates or during times ofdrought. The high-pressure tool also greatly reduces the time requiredto complete a termiticide treatment around a structure. This reductionin time can range between 40% and 80%. As a result, less time is spentat the site and thereby labor costs associated with the site preparationand application are reduced. Also, the application tool, which isdesigned to place the injection nozzles in close proximity to the groundwhen injecting the termiticide into the ground, reduces the risk ofexposure to the operator or anyone in the immediate area of theapplication.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a highpressure injection system 10 for injecting termiticide into the groundin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Theinjection system 10 includes a handheld portable application tool 12(broadly, an “injection apparatus”) and a termiticide fluid supply cart14 (broadly, a “base unit”). The application tool 12 is connected to thecart 14 via a conduit 13 defining a fluid passageway (e.g., a hose) andat least one electrical connection 15. The conduit 13 permits fluid(e.g., water and/or a termiticide solution) to flow from the cart 14 tothe application tool 12. The electrical connection 15 is used fortransmitting various control signals between the application tool 12 andthe cart 14.

FIG. 2 is a front view schematic illustration of the handheld portableapplication tool 12, and FIG. 3 is a side view schematic illustration ofthe application tool 12. The handheld portable application tool 12includes a handle 17 and a manifold head 16 mounted to the handle. Thehandle 17 includes an upper portion 18 and a lower portion 19. The upperportion 18 includes a tubular section 20 and a hand grip section 22attached to an upper end 24 of the tubular section 20. As a result, theupper portion 18 of the handle 17 has a generally T-shape. The lowerportion 19 of the handle 17, which is tubular, is sized for insertioninto the tubular section 20 of the upper portion 18 of the handle. Withthe lower portion 19 of the handle 17 inserted into the tubular section20 of the upper portion 18 of the handle, the upper portion can movewith respect to the lower portion from a first, extended position to asecond, compressed position. A biasing element, such as a spring 26, isprovided to bias the upper portion 18 of the handle 17 toward its first,extended position. It is understood, however, that any known biasingelement 26 may be used. A flange (not shown) or other suitableretainer(s) may be provided to inhibit the lower portion 19 of thehandle 17 from being pulled or otherwise withdrawn from the upperportion 18 to thereby ensure that the lower portion remainstelescopically attached to the upper portion. A lower end 28 of lowerportion 19 of the handle 17 is attached to an inverted U-shapedattachment bracket 30. The manifold head 16 is pivotally attached ateach of its ends 32, 34 to the attachment bracket 30 via a pair of pivotpins 36.

The manifold head 16 includes at least one internal passage todistribute the termiticide to a plurality of high pressure nozzles 38 influid communication with the internal passage. As seen in FIG. 3, theillustrated manifold head 16 includes two main internal passages 40, 42,and a cross passage 44 connecting main internal passages. It iscontemplated that the manifold head 16 may include any number of highpressure nozzles 38 including a single nozzle. For example, the manifoldhead 16 of the exemplary embodiment has a matrix of six high pressurenozzles 38 with each nozzle generally equidistant from each other. Eachof the high pressure nozzles 38, in one embodiment, has an orificediameter ranging from about 0.002 inch to about 0.01 inch.

With reference again to FIG. 2, a contact plate 50 is attached to abottom surface 52 of the manifold head 16 to protect the high pressurenozzles 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact plate 50 includesa plurality of openings 54 with each of the openings being generallyaligned with a respective one of the plurality of high pressure nozzles38. As a result, the high pressure nozzles 38 are spaced from the soilby the contact plate 50 and therefore do not directly contact the soil.Moreover, the contact plate 50 shields or otherwise blocks soil, rocks,and/or other debris that may be “kicked-up” during the injection of thetermiticide. The contact plate 50 includes rounded edges to facilitatesliding of the tool 12. The contact plate 50 can be made from anysuitable material, for example, metal and/or plastic.

The size and shape of the manifold head 16 may be selected based on theparticular application for which the tool 12 is intended to be used. Inone embodiment, the manifold head 16 has a shape with a high length towidth ratio such as the high pressure nozzles 38 being arranged linearlyin a row as shown in FIG. 4. In another embodiment, the manifold head 16has an arcuate shape as shown in FIG. 5. The arcuate shaped manifoldhead 16 may be used to conform around circular edges, such as aroundtrees. It is contemplate that the manifold heads 16 can beinterchangeable. That is, the operator of the tool 12 can selectivelychange out the manifold head 16. It is also contemplates that themanifold head 16 can be replaced with other delivery means (e.g., a rodinjection tool) for delivering a supply of termiticide at low pressures.These low pressure delivery means can be used in areas less suitable forhigh pressure injection.

The weight of the manifold head 16 may be selected so that the mass ofthe manifold head 16 assists in retaining tool 12 in position during adischarge from the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38, without beingunduly burdensome for manual positioning and moving the tool by anoperator. In general, the lighter the mass of the manifold head 16, thegreater the force that the operator must apply to the handle 17 toretain the tool 12 in position during a discharge of termiticide fromthe high pressure nozzles 38.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a discharge valve 56 is attached to themanifold head 16 and is in fluid communication with the internalpassages 40, 42, 44 in the manifold head and the supply of termiticide.More specifically, one end of the discharge valve 56 is coupled to ahigh pressure inlet port 58 and the other end of the discharge valve iscoupled to the hose 13. The discharge valve 56 is moveable between anopened position and a closed position. When the discharge valve is inits closed position, termiticide is inhibited from flowing from thesupply of termiticide via the hose 13 to the internal passages 40, 42,44 in the manifold head via the high pressure inlet port 58. When thedischarge valve 56 is opened, the termiticide solution flows from thesupply of termiticide through the hose 13 and into inlet port 58 underhigh pressure. From the inlet port 58, the pressurized termiticide flowsinto internal passages 40, 42, 44 of the manifold head 16 and throughthe high pressure nozzles 38 from which the termiticide is injected intothe ground. In one embodiment, the termiticide is pressurized to apressure of about 25 psi to about 10,000 psi, and in another embodiment,from about 1,000 psi to about 7,000 psi, and in yet another embodiment,at about 4,000 psi.

In one suitable embodiment, the discharge valve 56 is a solenoidoperated poppet valve capable of sufficiently rapid operation to allowopening and closing of the discharge valve 56 within the desired timeparameters to allow correct depth penetration of the soil based on thepressure in use and correct volume of termiticide solution for thespecific application. While it is possible to use a hydraulicallyactuated valve, the size and weight constraints of such a valve mayotherwise limit the utility of the handheld application tool 12.

In another suitable embodiment, the manifold head 16 may have adischarge valve 56 associated with each of the high pressure nozzles 38,such that even distribution of termiticide fluid across the plurality ofhigh pressure nozzles 38 may be ensured. While discharge balancing canbe obtained within reasonable parameters simply through proper sizing ofthe internal passages 40, 42, 44, should it be required, and should itjustify the expense, multiple discharge valves 56 may be used, such thatpressurized termiticide solution contained in a feed hose supplying eachof the discharge valves 56 may provide that an adequate amount oftermiticide solution is available for each of the high pressure nozzle38. Such a configuration, however, adds complexity to the system 10 inthat the controller must be able to actuate the multiple dischargevalves 56 in response to a single actuation, i.e., increasing the amountof wiring and power required to control the valves, although the powerrequirement may be offset by the use of smaller discharge valves 56.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a trigger switch 60 (broadly, an “actuator”)is mounted on the lower portion 19 of the handle 17 and a trigger switchactuator 62 is mounted on the upper portion 18. The trigger switch 60,which is electrically coupled to the discharge valve 56, activates thedischarge valve 56 when the trigger switch actuator 62 engages thetrigger switch 60. In the illustrated embodiment and as seen in FIG. 3,the trigger switch actuator 62 is engaged with trigger switch when theupper portion 18 of the handle 17 is moved to its second, compressedposition. Thus, the trigger switch 60 can be actuated by moving theupper portion 18 of the handle 17 from its first, expanded position toits second compressed position by applying a force on the upper portionso that it slides downward relative to the lower portion 19 of thehandle until the trigger switch actuator engages the trigger switch 60.

In another embodiment (not shown), the trigger switch 60 can be locatedon the hand grip section 22 of the upper portion 18 of the handle 17where it can be actuated by the operator using a finger or thumb. Thetrigger switch may be a mechanical device, which interrupts the flow oftermiticide from the discharge valve 56 to the high pressure nozzles 38,or may be an electrical switch which interrupts the electrical signal tothe discharge valve 56, thus preventing actuation of the discharge valve56.

To inject the termiticide into the ground, the operator positionshandheld portable application tool 12 such that the contact plate 50 isin contact with the surface of the ground. A downward force betweenabout 15 to 20 pounds is applied by the operator to the upper portion 18of the handle 17 to move the upper portion 18 from its first position toits second position and thereby cause the trigger switch actuator 62,which is mounted to the upper portion, to engage the trigger switch 60,which is mounted to the lower portion 19. Engagement of the triggerswitch actuator 62 and the trigger switch 60 actuates the trigger switch60. As a result, an electronic signal is sent from the trigger switch 60to the discharge valve 56 causing the discharge valve to move from itsclosed position to its opened position for a predetermined amount oftime thereby permitting termiticide to flow to and out the high pressurenozzles 38 for injecting the termiticide into the ground. The operatorthen releases the pressure from the handle 17, which resets the triggerswitch. More specifically, the spring 26 causes the upper portion 18 ofthe handle 17 to move back to its first, extended position. Theillustrated trigger switch 60 is configured to work only once duringeach compression of handle 17 to prevent repeated opening of thedischarge valve 56 until the handle 17 has been reset.

The depth of penetration of the termiticide solution into the ground isa function of the pressure at which the termiticide solution isdischarged from the tool 12 and the type of soil into which thetermiticide is discharged. For example, hard packed or compacted soil,such as clay, is harder to penetrate and may require higher pressuresthan a soft sandy soil. Thus, at a given pressure the penetration oftermiticide into a sandy soil may be about 12 to 14 inches, while thepenetration of termiticide into a sandy loam at the same pressure may beabout 6 to 9 inches, and the penetration of termiticide into a clay soilat the same pressure may be about 2 to 5 inches. It is understood,however, that the penetration of termiticide can be greater at higherpressures. For example, the penetration of termiticide into a clay soilmay be about 10 to 12 inches at a sufficiently high pressure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the manifold head can be formed into an arch, asemicircle, or other form of angled deflection. A manifold formed insuch a manner would be well suited for facilitating the injection of apesticide solution around a tree, a bush, a post, a pole, a pottedplant, root ball, or other plant or structural element where the curvedor angled manifold enables the applicator to position the pesticide intoan area proximate to the targeted point of application.

Referring also to FIGS. 6 and 7, the manifold head 16 may also include aplurality of the low pressure nozzles 66. In the illustrated embodimentof FIG. 6, each of the lower pressures nozzles 66 positioned adjacent toone of the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38. In another embodiment,which is illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the low pressure nozzles 66 isconcentric with one of the high pressure nozzles 38. The low pressurenozzles 66 apply the termiticide solution onto the surface of the groundwhen a low pressure discharge valve 68 is opened. The lower pressuredischarge valve operates in the same manner as the previously describeddischarge valve 65. The low pressure nozzles 66 are configured to applythe termiticide solution to the ground at a pressure of less than about35 psi.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the handheld portable application tool 12 mayalso include a plurality of nozzles 70 (broadly, a “dispenser”) fordepositing position marker material onto the surface of the soil toindicate an area in which the termiticide has been injected, and markingthe position of the manifold head 16 during each application. Markingthe position of the manifold head 16 permits the operator to visuallyobserve where termiticide has been applied and to where the manifoldhead should be positioned next so that a uniform application of thetermiticide can be applied around the perimeter of a structure. Inaddition, the applied marking material may also aid in preventing overand/or under application of the termiticide. Any suitable markingmaterial may be used, for example, a foam, a powder, a paint, and a dye.In the illustrated embodiment, the marking material is applied by theplurality of nozzles 70 about the circumference of the manifold head 16.A container 72 containing the marking material may be carried by theapplication tool 12 or a remotely located device such as the cart 14shown in FIG. 1. It is understood that the marking material may beapplied by any suitable delivery device and remain within the scope ofthis invention.

The supply of termiticide solution may be provided by the supply cart14. In one embodiment, the cart 14 includes a water reservoir 80, a highpressure pump 82 for pressurizing the termiticide solution, atermiticide concentrate reservoir 84, and a mixing device 86 thatsupplies the appropriate amount of termiticide concentrate to be mixedwith the appropriate amount of water to form the termiticide solution. Awater inlet 81 for receiving water from an external water source (e.g.,a standard residential water spigot) is also provided. It iscontemplated that either the water reservoir 80 or the water inlet 81can be omitted. The supply cart 14 also includes a gasoline engine 88with a generator 90 for generating power for operating the pressure pump82 and generating electrical current for operating a controller 92associated with the tool 12. In another embodiment, electrical power canbe supplied by connecting into an electrical outlet located at theapplication site.

It is contemplated that the supply cart 14 may be vehicle mounted (e.g.,a truck, a van, a ATV), trailer mounted, self propelled, or even acombination thereof, such that the cart 14 can be towed to a job site,then moved around a location under its own power. It is alsocontemplated that some the various components of the system 10 describedherein as being mounted on the supply cart 14 may be mounted on theapplication tool 12. For example, it is contemplated that thetermiticide concentration reservoir 84 and the mixing device 86 can bemounted on the application tool 12 instead of the supply cart 14. It isfurther contemplated that the supply cart 14 can be omitted. In such anembodiment, at least the termiticide concentration reservoir 84, themixing device 86, and the water inlet 81 are carried on-board theapplication tool 12.

The controller 92, which is mounted on the cart 14, permits the operatorof the system 10 to selectively set a pulse duration and pressure levelfor termiticide injections. The controller 92 may be programmable topermit the operator to enter parameters associated with a particularmanifold head 16 in use, such as by defining the number of orifices andtheir sizes, parameters with a termiticide solution in use, such thatdosing through the mixing device 86 can be properly controlled, or thenumber of injections can be tracked, and the like. It is understood thatthe pulse duration and/or pressure level for termiticide injections canbe manually adjustable (e.g., via a manually adjustable valve) inaddition to or instead of being set using the controller 92.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the system 10 can be used according to oneembodiment of a method for treating soil adjacent to a structure, suchas a house 94. For example, the system 10 can be used to inject and/orapply termiticide to the soil around the perimeter of the house 94 andthereby establish a barrier to inhibit termites from accessing the houseand to control termites in close proximity to the house. According toone method, the base unit 14 is placed at a stationary location relativeto the house 94 and the tool 12 is positioned over, and more suitably incontact with, an injection site 96 generally adjacent the house. Thetool 12 is operated as described above to inject termiticide down intothe soil at the injection site 96 without prior disturbance of the soil.The tool 12 is then moved relative to the supply cart 14 to anotherinjection site 96 that at least in part different from the previousinjection site and generally adjacent the house 94. In the illustratedembodiment, the injections sites 96 are generally in side-by-siderelationship with each other. The tool 12 is again operated to injecttermiticide down into the soil at this next injection site 96 withoutprior disturbance of the soil.

As seen in FIG. 10, the tool 12 is moved to and operated at a pluralityof injection sites 96 adjacent the structure so that the injection sitescooperatively surround substantially the entire perimeter of the house94. FIG. 10 illustrates a plurality of injection sites 96 at whichtermiticide has been injected (illustrated in the Figure with solidlines) and a plurality of injection sites at which termiticide will beinjected (illustrated in the Figure with dashed lines). It is understoodthat termiticide can also be applied to surface of the soil at each orsome of the injection sites 96. It is further understood that markingmaterial can be deposited onto the soil to indicate where the pesticidesolution had been injected into the soil. It is also contemplated that,if necessary, the supply cart 14 may be moved to another location as thehandheld tool 12 is used about the perimeter of the house 94.

Referring now to FIG. 11, in another embodiment the manifold head 16includes four high pressure nozzles 38 arranged in a rectangular andmore suitably a square matrix configuration 100 wherein adjacent nozzles38 are generally equidistant from each other. In the illustratedembodiment, each of the high pressure nozzles is generally positioned ateach corner of the square matrix configuration 100. It is contemplatedthat more than one square matrix of high pressure nozzles 38 may beformed in the manifold head 16. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates anembodiment wherein six high pressure nozzles 38 form two side-by-sidesquare matrices 100 (or a single rectangular matrix). It is contemplatedthat the manifold head 16 may include 4+x equidistant high pressurenozzles 38 forming 1+(x/2) side-by-side square matrices 100, wherein xis an even integer greater than 0. It is also contemplated that the highpressure nozzles 38 can be arranged in an orthogonal matrixconfiguration, for example, a rectangular matrix, an hexagonal matrix,an octagonal matrix, and the like.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, a multiport high pressure nozzle 102 can bepositioned in the center of each of the square matrices 100. Each of theillustrated multiport nozzles 102 includes four ports 104 that areangled toward the corners of matrix 100. Each of the high pressurenozzles 38 is orientated so that a discharge stream 106 of termiticidefrom the nozzle 38 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface52 of the manifold head 16. When the manifold head 16 is positioned onthe ground, the discharge stream 106 is substantially normal to theground surface, e.g., vertical, when the surface of the ground issubstantially level. Each of the ports 104 of the multiport nozzle 102is configured to direct a discharge stream 108 of termiticide from theport to intersect the discharge stream 106 from one of the high pressurenozzles 38. The intersection of the discharge stream 106 from one of thehigh pressure nozzles 38 by the discharge stream 108 from one of theports 104 of the multiport high pressure nozzle 102 may be about 1 inchto about 12 inches below the surface of the ground. An angle offvertical 110 of the discharge stream 108 of one of the ports 104 of themultiport nozzle 102 is based on the depth of intersection desired andthe distance between the nozzles 38. The intersection of the dischargestreams potentially results in the pooling of some of the injectedtermiticide. For example, when the high pressure nozzles 38 are 2 inchesapart from each other, the angle off vertical 110 of the dischargestream 108 of the port 104 is about 54 degrees for an intersection atone inch below the surface, and about 9 degrees for an intersection at 6inches below the surface, and about 5 degrees for an intersection at 12inches below the surface.

It is contemplated that the ports 104 of the multiport nozzle 102 can beconfigured such that the discharge streams of termiticide emittedtherefrom are generally vertically and that some or all of the pluralityof high pressure nozzles 38 can be configured such that the dischargestreams of termiticide emitted therefrom are other than vertical. In onesuitable embodiment, the termiticide is emitted from the nozzles 38 in agenerally conical discharge stream. It is further contemplated that theports 104 of the multiport nozzle 102 and the plurality of high pressurenozzles 38 can be configured to emit discharge streams of termiticidethat are other than vertical. In either of these arrangements, some orall of the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38 can be configured toemit discharge streams that are angled toward the periphery of thecontrol plate (i.e., away from the multiport nozzle 102) to therebyincrease the coverage area of the termiticide and that some or all ofthe plurality of high pressure nozzles 38 can be configured to emitdischarge streams that are angled inward and toward the multiport nozzle102 for intersecting the discharge streams emitted from the ports 104 ofthe multiport nozzle.

In operation, the manifold head 16 is positioned on the ground and theoperator activates the trigger switch 60 causing the discharge valve 56to open thereby permitting the predetermined quantity of termiticide toflow to and out each of the high pressure nozzles 38 and each of theports 104 of the multiport high pressure nozzle 102 to thereby injectingtermiticide into the ground. The discharge streams 106 of termiticidefrom each of the high pressure nozzles 38 is injected substantiallyvertically into the ground. The discharge streams 108 of termiticidefrom the ports 104 are injected into the ground at an angle off vertical110 which causes the discharge streams 108 from each of the ports 104 tointersect respective discharge streams 106 from the high pressurenozzles 38 below the surface of the ground.

The angled discharge streams 108 of ports 104 provide for supplying thetermiticide to a greater volume of the injection area than just usingthe high pressure nozzles 38. The angled discharge streams 108 of theports 104 inject termiticide into the soil within a central injectionzone of the injection area, which is located within an outer injectionzone defined by the termiticide injected by the high pressure nozzles38. Injection of termiticide at high pressures causes the soil tofracture as the discharge streams 106, 108 of termiticide pass throughthe soil. In another embodiment, each of the ports 104 are slightlyoffset so that their discharge streams 108 of termiticide do notprecisely intersect respective discharge streams 106 from the highpressure nozzles 38.

Referring again to FIG. 12, in another embodiment four center highpressure nozzles 112 may be used instead of the multiport nozzle 102.The four center nozzles 112 are collectively positioned in the center ofthe matrix 100 and are each angled toward a different corner of thesquare matrix. Similar to the multiport nozzles 102 described above, thecenter nozzles 112 are configured to direct their discharge streams 108to intersect a respective discharge stream 106 from one of the highpressure nozzles 38. The intersection of the discharge stream 106 fromone of the high pressure nozzle 38 by the discharge stream 108 from oneof the center high pressure nozzles 112 may be about 1 inch to about 12inches below the surface of the soil. The angle off vertical 110 of thedischarge stream 108 of the center nozzle 112 is based on the depth ofintersection desired and the distance between the high pressure nozzles38. For example, when high pressure nozzles 38 are 2 inches apart fromeach other, the angle off vertical 110 of the discharge stream 108 fromthe center nozzle 112 is about 54 degrees for an intersection at oneinch below the surface, and about 9 degrees for an intersection at 6inches below the surface, and about 5 degrees for an intersection at 12inches below the surface.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a handheldportable application tool 212 (broadly, an “injection apparatus”)suitable for use with the high pressure injection system for injectingtermiticide into the ground, which was described above. The relativesize of the tool 212 makes it suitable for use in tight spaces (e.g.,crawl spaces) as well as open spaces (e.g., a lawn). As seen in FIG. 13,the application tool 212 includes a handle 217 and a manifold head 216mounted to the handle. The manifold head 216, which is pivotally mountedto the handle 217 via a pair of pivot pins 236 (one of the pivot pinsbeing seen in FIGS. 13 and 14), is substantially the same as themanifold head 16 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. As a result, the manifoldhead 216 illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 will not be described in detail.

The handle 217 of the tool 212 includes an upper portion 218 and a lowerportion 219. In the illustrated embodiment, both the upper and lowerportions 218, 219 of the tool comprise generally U-shaped brackets. Theupper portion 218 of the handle 217 can move relative to the lowerportion 219 from a first, extended position (FIG. 13) to a second,compressed position (FIG. 14). A biasing element, such as a pair ofsprings 226, biases the upper portion 218 of the handle 217 toward itsfirst, extended position and away from the lower potion 219. In theillustrated embodiment, each of the springs 226 is mounted on the handle217 via a bolt 223. In addition, a pair of upper stops 225 and a pair oflower stops 227 are mounted on the lower portion 219 and extend througha slot 229 formed in the upper portion 218 to limit the range ofmovement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. One of theupper stops 225 and one of the lower stops 227 are shown in FIGS. 13 and14. It is understood, however, that any known biasing element 226 may beused and the biasing element can be mounted on the handle 217 in othersuitable manners. It is also understood that other types of stops can beused to limit the relative movement between the upper and lower portions218, 219 of the handle 217.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, a trigger switch 260 (broadly, an“actuator”) is mounted on the lower portion 219 of the handle 217. Thetrigger switch 260 is electrically coupled to a discharge valve 256 andactivates the discharge valve when the trigger switch is actuated. Asseen in FIG. 14, the trigger switch 260 is actuated by the upper portion218 of the handle 217 being manually pressed into contact with thetrigger switch. That is, the trigger switch 260 can be actuated bymanually moving the upper portion 218 of the handle 217 from its first,expanded position to its second compressed position by applying a forceon the upper portion so that it slides downward relative to the lowerportion 219 of the handle until the trigger switch 260 is actuated.Actuation of the trigger switch 260 causes termiticide to be injectedinto the ground through the manifold 216.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, these Figures schematically illustrate ahigh pressure injection system 310 for injecting termiticide (or othersuitable treatment) into the ground in accordance with another exemplaryembodiment. As seen in FIG. 15, the injection system 310 includes ahandheld portable application tool 312 (broadly, an “injectionapparatus”) and a supply cart 314 (broadly, a “base unit”). Theapplication tool 312 is connected to the cart 314 via a conduit 313(e.g., a hose) defining a fluid passageway and at least one electricalconnection 315. The conduit 313 permits fluid (e.g., water and/or atermiticide solution) to flow from the cart 314 to the application tool312. The electrical connection 315 is used for transmitting variouscontrol signals between the application tool 312 and the cart 314.

FIG. 16 is a front view schematic illustration of the handheld portableapplication tool 312, and FIG. 17 is a side view schematic illustrationof the application tool 312. The handheld portable application tool 312includes a handle 317 and a manifold head 316 mounted to the handle. Thehandle 317 includes an upper portion 318 and a lower portion 319. Theupper portion 318 includes a tubular section 320 and a hand grip section322 attached to an upper end 324 of the tubular section 320. As aresult, the upper portion 318 of the handle 317 has a generally T-shape.The lower portion 319 of the handle 317, which is also tubular, is sizedfor insertion into the tubular section 320 of the upper portion 318 ofthe handle. With the lower portion 319 of the handle 317 inserted intothe tubular section 320 of the upper portion 318 of the handle, theupper portion can move with respect to the lower portion from a first,extended position to a second, compressed position. A biasing element,such as a spring 326, is provided to bias the upper portion 318 of thehandle 317 toward its first, extended position. It is understood,however, that any known biasing element 326 may be used. A flange (notshown) or other suitable retainer(s) may be provided to inhibit thelower portion 319 of the handle 317 from being pulled or otherwisewithdrawn from the upper portion 318 to thereby ensure that the lowerportion remains telescopically attached to the upper portion.

A lower end 328 of lower portion 319 of the handle 317 is attached to aninverted U-shaped attachment bracket 330. The manifold head 316 ispivotally attached at each of its ends 332, 334 to the attachmentbracket 330 via a pair of pivot pins 336. It is contemplated that one ormore stops (not shown) can be provided to limit the pivoting movement ofthe handle 317 relative to the manifold 316. Attached to the U-shapedattachment bracket 330 is a foot bracket 331. During use of the tool312, the user can place one of his/her feet on the foot bracket 331 toinhibit movement of the tool during an injection.

The manifold head 316 includes at least one internal passage todistribute the termiticide to a plurality of high pressure nozzles 338in fluid communication with the internal passage. As seen in FIG. 17,the illustrated manifold head 316 includes two main internal passages340, 342, and a cross passage 344 connecting main internal passages. Itis contemplated that the manifold head 316 may include any number ofhigh pressure nozzles 338. For example, the manifold head 316 of theexemplary embodiment has a matrix of six high pressure nozzles 338 witheach nozzle generally equidistant from each other. Each of the highpressure nozzles 338, in one embodiment, has an orifice diameter rangingfrom about 0.002 inch to about 0.01 inch.

With reference again to FIG. 16, a contact plate 350 is attached to abottom surface 352 of the manifold head 316 to protect the high pressurenozzles 338. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact plate 350includes a plurality of openings 354 with each of the openings beinggenerally aligned with a respective one of the plurality of highpressure nozzles 338. As a result, the high pressure nozzles 338 arespaced from the soil by the contact plate 350 and therefore do notdirectly contact the soil. Moreover, the contact plate 50 shields orotherwise blocks soil, rocks, and/or other debris that may be“kicked-up” during the injection of the termiticide. As seen in FIG. 17,the contact plate 350 includes rounded edges to facilitate sliding(e.g., dragging) of the tool 312. The contact plate 350 can be made fromany suitable material, for example, metal and/or plastic.

In this embodiment, a kick guard 398 extends outward from three sides onthe contact plate 350 to further shield or otherwise block soil, rocks,and/or other debris that may be “kicked-up” during the injection of thetermiticide. In the illustrated embodiment, one side of the contactplate 350 is free from the kick guard 398 to facilitate placement of thecontact plate and manifold head 316 in close proximity to objects andstructures. It is understood, however, that the kick guard 398 canextend around the entire periphery (i.e., all four sides) of the contactplate 350. In one suitable embodiment, the kick guard 398 is made fromthree pieces of suitable rubber material, which each piece of rubbermaterial extending outward from a respective side of the contact plate350. It is understood, however, that the kick guard 398 can have othersuitable configurations (e.g., bristles, strips, flaps) and be made fromany suitable material.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, a discharge valve 356 is attached to themanifold head 316 and is in fluid communication with the internalpassages 340, 342, 344 in the manifold head and a supply of termiticide.The discharge valve 356 is moveable between an opened position and aclosed position. When the discharge valve is in its closed position,termiticide solution is inhibited from flowing to the internal passages340, 342, 344 in the manifold head via the high pressure inlet port 358.When the discharge valve 356 is opened, the termiticide solution flowsinto inlet port 358 under high pressure. From the inlet port 358, thepressurized termiticide solution flows into internal passages 340, 342,344 of the manifold head 316 and through the high pressure nozzles 338from which the termiticide solution is injected into the ground. In oneembodiment, the termiticide solution is pressurized to a pressure ofabout 25 psi to about 10,000 psi, and in another embodiment, from about1,000 psi to about 7,000 psi, and in yet another embodiment, at about4,000 psi.

In one suitable embodiment, the discharge valve 356 is a solenoidoperated poppet valve capable of sufficiently rapid operation to allowopening and closing of the discharge valve 356 within the desired timeparameters to allow correct depth penetration of the soil based on thepressure in use and correct volume of termiticide solution for thespecific application. While it is possible to use a hydraulicallyactuated valve, the size and weight constraints of such a valve mayotherwise limit the utility of the handheld application tool 312.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, a trigger switch 360 (broadly, an “actuator”)is mounted on the lower portion 319 of the handle 317 and a triggerswitch actuator 362 is mounted on the upper portion 318. The triggerswitch 360, which is electrically coupled to the discharge valve 356,activates the discharge valve 356 when the trigger switch actuator 362engages the trigger switch 360. In the illustrated embodiment and asseen in FIG. 16, the trigger switch actuator 362 is engaged with thetrigger switch when the upper portion 318 of the handle 317 is moved toits second, compressed position. Thus, the trigger switch 360 can beactuated by moving the upper portion 318 of the handle 317 from itsfirst, expanded position to its second compressed position by applying aforce on the upper portion so that it slides downward relative to thelower portion 319 of the handle until the trigger switch actuatorengages the trigger switch 360.

In one suitable embodiment, a kill switch (not shown) can be located onthe hand grip section 322 of the upper portion 318 of the handle 317where it can be actuated by the operator to quickly and easily shut thesystem 310 off It is contemplated that the kill switch can be located onother portions of the tool 312 besides the hand grip section 322 of thehandle 317. It is also contemplated that a kill switch can be providedon the cart 314 in addition to or instead of the kill switch located onthe tool 312. It is further contemplated that the kill switch can beprogrammed into the system (i.e., a controller) whereby if the dischargevalve 356 does not open within a specified time interval it will cause aclutch to disengage from the pressure manifold and/or kill the engine.

In this embodiment, a first termiticide concentrate reservoir 384′ and adosing device 385 are mounted on the handle 317 of the tool 312. Thedosing device 385 is in fluid communication with termiticide concentratereservoir 384′ and is adapted to deliver a predetermined amount (i.e., adose) of concentrated termiticide to a suitable first mixing device 386′each time the trigger switch 360 is actuated. In one suitableembodiment, the dosing device 385 is adjustable so that thepredetermined amount of concentrated termiticide can be adjusted. Inanother suitable embodiment, the dosing device 385 is non-adjustable.That is, the amount of concentrated termiticide delivered to the mixingdevice 386′ each time the trigger switch 360 is actuated cannot bechanged without replacement of the dosing device. One suitable dosingdevice 385 is available from SMC Corporation of America ofInadianapolis, Ind. as part no. NCMB075-0125. In the illustratedembodiment, the mixing device 386′ is mounted on top of the manifoldhead 316 but it is understood that the mixing device can be otherwisemounted. For example, the mixing device 386′ can be mounted on the lowerportion 319 of the handle 317.

With reference still to FIG. 16, a pressure accumulator 387 is mountedto the handle 317. The pressure accumulator 387 is adapted to storepressurized water (or other suitable carrier liquids) from the cart 314prior to it being delivered to the mixing device 386′. The pressureaccumulator 387 minimizes the effect of the pressure drop between thecart 314 to the mixing device 386′. Thus, the pressure accumulator 387provides pressurized water from the cart 314 to the mixing device 386′at a higher pressure than if the pressurized water was delivereddirectly to the mixing device from the cart.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the cart 314 includes a waterreservoir 380, a high pressure pump 382, a second termiticideconcentrate reservoir 384, and a second mixing device 386 that iscapable of supplying the appropriate amount of termiticide concentrateto be mixed with the appropriate amount of water to form the termiticidesolution. A water inlet 381 for receiving water from an external watersource (e.g., a standard residential water spigot) is also provided. Itis contemplated that either the water reservoir 380 or the water inlet381 can be omitted.

The supply cart 314 also includes a gasoline engine 388 with a generator390 for generating power for operating the pressure pump 382 andgenerating electrical current for operating a controller 392 associatedwith the system 310. In another embodiment, electrical power can besupplied by connecting into an electrical outlet located at theapplication site. A radiator 191 is provided to cool the pressurizedwater being driven by the high pressure pump 382. In the illustratedembodiment, a hose reel 193 is mounted on the cart 314 for winding thehose 313 that extends between the cart 314 and the application tool 312.A pressurized water bypass 389 is provided on the handle 317 of the tool312 for allowing pressurized water to discharged prior to the pressureaccumulator 387. The bypass 389 can be used to facilitate priming of thehigh pressure pump 382 and flushing termiticide solution from the hose313.

The controller 392 permits the operator of the system 310 to selectivelyset a pulse duration and pressure level for termiticide injections. Thecontroller 392 may be programmable to permit the operator to enterparameters associated with a particular manifold head 316 in use, suchas by defining the number of orifices and their sizes, parameters with atermiticide solution in use, such that dosing through the mixing device386 can be properly controlled, or the number of injections can betracked, and the like.

To inject the termiticide into the ground, the operator positionshandheld portable application tool 312 such that the contact plate 350is in contact with the surface of the ground. A downward force betweenabout 15 to 20 pounds is applied by the operator to the upper portion318 of the handle 317 to move the upper portion 318 from its firstposition to its second position and thereby cause the trigger switchactuator 362, which is mounted to the upper portion, to engage thetrigger switch 360, which is mounted to the lower portion 319.Engagement of the trigger switch actuator 362 and the trigger switch 360actuates the discharge valve 356. More specifically, an electronicsignal is sent from the trigger switch 360 to the discharge valve 356causing the discharge valve to move from its closed position to itsopened position for a predetermined amount of time.

In addition, movement of the upper portion 318 of the handle 317relative to the lower portion 319 causes a predetermined amount oftermiticide concentrate to be delivered by the dosing device 385 fromthe first termiticide concentrate reservoir 384′ to the mixing device386′. Opening the discharge valve 356 causes the pressure accumulator387 to release at least a portion of the pressurized water storedtherein to the mixing device 386′. The termiticide concentration andpressurized water mix within the mixing device 386′ to form atermiticide solution. The termiticide solution is then driven to themanifold head 316 where it flows to and out the high pressure nozzles338 for injection into the ground.

The operator then releases the pressure from the handle 317, whichresets the trigger switch 360, the dosing device 385, and the pressureaccumulator 387. More specifically, the spring 326 causes the upperportion 318 of the handle 317 to move back to its first, extendedposition. The illustrated trigger switch 360 is configured to work onlyonce during each compression of handle 317 to prevent repeated openingof the discharge valve 356 until the handle 317 has been reset.

The depth of penetration of the termiticide solution into the ground isa function of the pressure at which the termiticide solution isdischarged from the tool 312, the duration for which the discharge valve356 remains open, and the type of soil into which the termiticide isdischarged. In one suitable embodiment, the penetration of termiticideinto the ground is between about 12 to 16 inches.

The second termiticide concentrate reservoir 384 and the second mixingdevice 386, which are mounted on the cart 314, allow the cart to be usedfor low pressure applications. Low pressure applications of termiticidecan be carried out using the application tool 312 illustrated herein orusing conventional rodding techniques. It is understood that the secondtermiticide concentrate reservoir 384 and the second mixing device 386can be omitted.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-22, these Figures illustrate a high pressureinjection system, indicated generally at 510, for injecting termiticide(or other suitable soil treatment) into the ground in accordance withyet another exemplary embodiment. As seen in FIG. 18, the injectionsystem 510 includes a handheld portable application tool 512 (broadly,an “injection apparatus”) and a supply cart 514 (broadly, a “baseunit”). The application tool 512 is connected to the cart 514 via aconduit 513 (e.g., a hose) defining a fluid passageway and at least oneelectrical connection 515. The conduit 513 permits fluid (e.g., waterand/or a termiticide solution) to flow from the cart 514 to theapplication tool 512. The electrical connection 515 is used fortransmitting various control signals between the application tool 512and the cart 514.

With reference now to FIGS. 19-21, the handheld portable applicationtool 512 includes a handle 517 and a manifold head 516 mounted to thehandle. The handle 517 includes an upper portion 518 and a lower portion519. The upper portion 518 includes a tubular section 520, a first handgrip section 522 attached to an upper end 524 of the tubular section,and a second hand grip section 523 attached to a lower end 525 of thetubular section. A pair of hand grips 527 is selectively moveablebetween the first hand grip section 522 and the second hand grip section523. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, both the first handgrip section 522 and the second hand grip section 523 include a pair ofthread sockets for receiving one of the hand grips 527, which are alsothreaded. As a result, the user can selectively move the hand grips 527between the first hand grip section 522, which is designed toaccommodated taller users, and second hand grip section 523, which isdesigned to accommodate shorter users. The upper portion 518 alsoincludes two spaced-apart tubular shafts 529 extending downward from thesecond hand grip section 523.

The lower portion 519 of the handle 517 has two spaced-apart tubularshafts 533 configured for insertion into the tubular shafts 529 of theupper portion 518 of the handle. With the two tubular shafts 533 of thelower portion 519 inserted into the two tubular shafts 529 of the upperportion 518, the upper portion can move with respect to the lowerportion from a first, extended position to a second, compressedposition. It is understood that in some embodiments the upper and lowerportions 518, 519 of the handle 517 can have more than two tubularshafts 529, 533. A biasing element, such as a pair of springs 526, isprovided to bias the upper portion 518 of the handle 517 toward itsfirst, extended position. In the illustrated embodiment, one spring 526is disposed in one of the tubular shafts 529 of the upper portion 518 ofthe handle 517 and the other spring is disposed in the other one of thetubular shafts of the upper portion. It is understood, however, that anysuitable biasing element 526 may be used. A flange (not shown) or othersuitable retainer(s) may be provided to inhibit the lower portion 519 ofthe handle 517 from being pulled or otherwise withdrawn from the upperportion 518 to thereby ensure that the lower portion remainstelescopically attached to the upper portion.

The two tubular shafts 533 of the lower portion 519 of the handle 517are attached to an inverted U-shaped attachment bracket 530. As seen inFIG. 20, the inverted U-shaped attachment bracket 530 is angled relativeto the handle 517 to facilitate placement of the manifold head 516adjacent to and beneath structures (e.g., buildings, vegetation,fences). In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 530 is angled about10 degrees relative to the handle 517. It is understood, however, thatthe bracket 530 can be arranged at any suitable angle (e.g., any anglebetween about 0 degrees and about 45 degrees) relative to the handle517. It is understood that the U-shaped attachment bracket 530 can beomitted and the manifold head 516 be attached to the two tubular shafts533 of the lower portion 519.

In one suitable embodiment, the manifold head 516 is pivotally attachedat each of its ends to the attachment bracket 530 via a pair of pivotpins 536. As a result, the handle 517 can be moved relative to manifoldhead 516. A pair of stops 537 is provided to limit the pivoting movementof the handle 517 relative to the manifold 516. The stops 537 inhibitthe handle 517 from pivoting relative to the manifold head 516 beyond apredetermined range of motion. Suitable, the stops 537 inhibit thehandle 517 from pivoting into contact with the conduit 513. Attached tothe U-shaped attachment bracket 530 is a foot bracket 531. During use ofthe tool 512, the user can place one of his/her feet on the foot bracket531 to inhibit movement of the tool during an injection.

The manifold head 516 includes at least one internal passage todistribute the termiticide to a plurality of high pressure nozzles 538in fluid communication with the internal passage. It is contemplatedthat the manifold head 516 may include any number of high pressurenozzles 538. For example, the manifold head 516 of the illustratedexemplary embodiment has a matrix of six high pressure nozzles 538 witheach nozzle generally equidistant from each other.

A contact plate 550 is attached to a bottom surface 552 of the manifoldhead 516 to protect the high pressure nozzles 538. In the illustratedembodiment, the contact plate 550 includes a plurality of openings 554with each of the openings being generally aligned with a respective oneof the plurality of high pressure nozzles 538. As a result, the highpressure nozzles 538 are spaced from the soil by the contact plate 550and therefore do not directly contact the soil. Moreover, the contactplate 550 shields or otherwise blocks soil, rocks, and/or other debristhat may be “kicked-up” during the injection of the termiticide. Thecontact plate 550 includes at least one rounded edge to facilitatesliding (e.g., dragging) of the tool 512. The contact plate 550 can bemade from any suitable material, for example, metal and/or plastic.

In this embodiment, a kick guard 598 extends outward from one side (e.g.the trailing side) on the contact plate 550 to further shield orotherwise block soil, rocks, and/or other debris that may be “kicked-up”during the injection of the termiticide. More specifically, the kickguard 598 inhibits debris from being “kicked-up” by injected termiticideexiting through openings in soil created by the previous injection.Thus, the illustrated kick guard 598 is sized and shaped to generallyoverlie the previous injection site. In one suitable embodiment, thekick guard 598 is made from a single piece of suitable rubber material.It is understood, however, that the kick guard 598 can have othersuitable configurations (e.g., bristles, strips, flaps) and be made fromany suitable material.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, a discharge valve 556 is attached to themanifold head 516 and is in fluid communication with the internalpassages in the manifold head and a supply of termiticide. The dischargevalve 556 is moveable between an opened position and a closed position.When the discharge valve is in its closed position, termiticide solutionis inhibited from flowing to the internal passages in the manifold head.When the discharge valve 556 is opened, the termiticide solution flowsunder high pressure into the internal passages in the manifold head andthrough the high pressure nozzles 538 from which the termiticidesolution is injected into the ground. In one embodiment, the termiticidesolution is pressurized to a pressure of about 25 psi to about 10,000psi, and in another embodiment, from about 1,000 psi to about 7,000 psi,and in yet another embodiment, at about 4,000 psi.

In one suitable embodiment, the discharge valve 556 is a solenoidoperated poppet valve capable of sufficiently rapid operation to allowopening and closing of the discharge valve 556 within the desired timeparameters to allow correct depth penetration of the soil based on thepressure in use and correct volume of termiticide solution for thespecific application. While it is possible to use a hydraulicallyactuated valve, the size and weight constraints of such a valve mayotherwise limit the utility of the handheld application tool 512.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 21, a trigger switch actuator 562 ismounted on the lower portion 519 of the handle 517 and a trigger switch560 (broadly, an “actuator”) is mounted on the upper portion 518 suchthat it faces downward toward the trigger switch actuator and isdisposed between the tubular shafts 529, 533 of the upper and lowerportions of the handle. The trigger switch 560, which is electricallycoupled to the discharge valve 556, activates the discharge valve 556when the trigger switch actuator 562 engages the trigger switch 560. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the trigger switch actuator 562 is engagedby the trigger switch when the upper portion 518 of the handle 517 ismoved to its second, compressed position. Thus, the trigger switch 560can be actuated by moving the upper portion 518 of the handle 517 fromits first, expanded position to its second compressed position byapplying a force on the upper portion so that it slides downwardrelative to the lower portion 519 of the handle until the trigger switchengages the trigger switch actuator. Mounting the trigger switch 560 onthe upper portion 518 of the handle 517, such that it faces downward andis disposed between the tubular shafts 529 of the upper portion,inhibits inadvertent actuation of the trigger switch 560.

In this embodiment, a first termiticide concentrate reservoir 584′ and adosing device 585 are mounted on the handle 517 of the tool 512. As seenin FIG. 19, the first termiticide concentrate reservoir 584′ is mountedto each of the tubular shafts 529 of the upper portion 518 of the handlesuch that the first termiticide concentrate reservoir is generallyaligned along a longitudinal axis of the tool 512. As a result, theweight of the first termiticide concentrate reservoir 584′ isdistributed generally equally between the two tubular shafts 529 of theupper portion 518. As also seen in FIG. 19, the dosing device 585 ismounted to the lower portion 519 of the handle 517 such that it isdisposed between the two tubular shafts 533 of the lower portion. As aresult, the tubular shafts 533 of the lower portion 519 of the handle517 provide some protection for or shielding of the dosing device 585.

The dosing device 585 is in fluid communication with termiticideconcentrate reservoir 584′ and is adapted to deliver a predeterminedamount (i.e., a dose) of concentrated termiticide to a suitable firstmixing device 586′ each time the trigger switch 560 is actuated. In onesuitable embodiment, the dosing device 585 is adjustable so that thepredetermined amount of concentrated termiticide can be adjusted. Inanother suitable embodiment, the dosing device 585 is non-adjustable.That is, the amount of concentrated termiticide delivered to the mixingdevice 586′ each time the trigger switch 560 is actuated cannot bechanged without replacement of the dosing device. One suitable dosingdevice 585 is available from SMC Corporation of America ofInadianapolis, Ind. as part no. NCMB075-0125. In the illustratedembodiment, the mixing device 586′ is mounted on top of the manifoldhead 516 but it is understood that the mixing device can be otherwisemounted. For example, the mixing device 586′ can be mounted on the lowerportion 519 of the handle 517.

A pressure accumulator 587 is mounted to the handle 517. Morespecifically, the pressure accumulator 587 is mounted between the twotubular shafts 533 of the lower portion 519 of the handle 517 such thatthe pressure accumulator is generally aligned along a longitudinal axisof the tool 512. As a result, the weight of the pressure accumulator isdistributed generally equally between the two tubular shafts 533 of thelower portion 519. The pressure accumulator 587 is adapted to storepressurized water (or other suitable carrier liquids) from the cart 514prior to it being delivered to the mixing device 586′. The pressureaccumulator 587 minimizes the effect of the pressure drop between thecart 514 to the mixing device 586′. Thus, the pressure accumulator 587provides pressurized water from the cart 514 to the mixing device 586′at a higher pressure than if the pressurized water was delivereddirectly to the mixing device from the cart.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the cart 514 includes a waterreservoir 580, a high pressure pump 582, a second termiticideconcentrate reservoir 584, and a second mixing device 586 that iscapable of supplying an appropriate amount of termiticide concentrate tobe mixed with an appropriate amount of water to form the termiticidesolution. A water inlet 581 for receiving water from an external watersource (e.g., a standard residential water spigot) is also provided. Itis contemplated that either the water reservoir 580 or the water inlet581 can be omitted.

The supply cart 514 also includes a gasoline engine 588 with a generator590 for generating power for operating the pressure pump 582 andgenerating electrical current for operating a controller 592 associatedwith the system 510. In another embodiment, electrical power can besupplied by connecting into an electrical outlet located at theapplication site. A clutch mechanism 591 is provided to disengage thehigh pressure pump 582 between injections (or after a predetermined timeinterval) and thereby inhibit the water being driven by the highpressure pump from being heated. In the illustrated embodiment, a hosereel 593 is mounted on the cart 514 for winding the conduit 513 thatextends between the cart 514 and the application tool 512. A pressurizedwater bypass 589 is provided on the handle 517 of the tool 512 forallowing pressurized water to be discharged prior to the pressureaccumulator 587. The bypass 589 can be used to facilitate priming of thehigh pressure pump 582 and flushing termiticide solution from theconduit 513. In one suitable embodiment, the bypass 589 is fluidlyconnected to the manifold head 516 for allowing liquid (e.g., water,termiticide solution), gases (e.g., air) or the combination of the twopassing through the bypass to be discharged beneath the manifold head.

As seen in FIG. 22, the hose reel 593 includes a spool 594, a mountingbracket 595 for mounting the spool to the supply cart 514, and a handle596 for manually rotating the spool relative to the mounting bracket.Thus, the spool 594 can be selectively rotated relative to the mountingbracket 595 using the handle 596 to wind and unwind the conduit 513about the spool. Water from the water reservoir 580 and/or the externalwater source is fed to the conduit 513 through a rotary coupling 597.The rotary coupling 597 allows the spool 594 and thereby the conduit 513wrapped about the spool to rotate relative to an inlet line (not shown)connecting the rotary coupling 597 to the water reservoir 580 and/or theexternal water source. The rotary coupling 597 inhibits twisting of theinlet line. With reference still to FIG. 22, the handle 596 includes arotary electrical connector 599 at its free end for feeding theelectrical connection 515 to the conduit 513 wound about the spool 594.The rotary electrical connector 599 inhibits the electrical connection515 for being twisted as the conduit 513 is wound and unwound about thespool 594.

With reference again to FIG. 18, the controller 592 permits the operatorof the system 510 to selectively set a pulse duration and pressure levelfor termiticide injections. The controller 592 may be programmable topermit the operator to enter parameters associated with a particularmanifold head 516 in use, such as by defining the number of orifices andtheir sizes, parameters with a termiticide solution in use, such thatdosing through the mixing device 586 can be properly controlled, or thenumber of injections can be tracked, and the like. It is understood thatthe controller 592 can be mounted on the tool 512 in addition to orinstead of the controller mounted on the cart 514.

To inject the termiticide into the ground, the operator positionshandheld portable application tool 512 such that the contact plate 550is in contact with the surface of the ground. A downward force betweenabout 15 to 20 pounds is applied by the operator to the upper portion518 of the handle 517 to move the upper portion 518 from its firstposition to its second position and thereby cause the trigger switch560, which is mounted to the upper portion, to engage the trigger switchactuator 562, which is mounted to the lower portion 519. Engagement ofthe trigger switch actuator 562 and the trigger switch 560 actuates thedischarge valve 556. More specifically, an electronic signal is sentfrom the trigger switch 560 to the discharge valve 556 causing thedischarge valve to move from its closed position to its opened positionfor a predetermined amount of time.

In addition, movement of the upper portion 518 of the handle 517relative to the lower portion 519 causes a predetermined amount oftermiticide concentrate to be delivered by the dosing device 585 fromthe first termiticide concentrate reservoir 584′ to the mixing device586′. Opening the discharge valve 556 causes the pressure accumulator587 to release at least a portion of the pressurized water storedtherein to the mixing device 586′. The termiticide concentration andpressurized water mix within the mixing device 586′ to form atermiticide solution. The termiticide solution is then driven to themanifold head 516 where it flows to and out the high pressure nozzles538 for injection into the ground.

The operator then releases the pressure from the handle 517, whichresets the trigger switch 560, the dosing device 585, and the pressureaccumulator 587. More specifically, the springs 526 cause the upperportion 518 of the handle 517 to move back to its first, extendedposition. The illustrated trigger switch 560 is configured to work onlyonce during each compression of the handle 517 to prevent repeatedopening of the discharge valve 556 until the handle 517 has been reset.

The depth of penetration of the termiticide solution into the ground isa function of the pressure at which the termiticide solution isdischarged from the tool 512, the duration for which the discharge valve556 remains open, and the type of soil into which the termiticide isdischarged. In one suitable embodiment, the penetration of termiticideinto the ground is between about 12 to 16 inches.

The second termiticide concentrate reservoir 584 and the second mixingdevice 586, which are mounted on the cart 514, allow the cart to be usedfor low pressure applications. Low pressure applications of termiticidecan be carried out using the application tool 512 illustrated herein orusing conventional rodding techniques. It is understood that in someembodiments the second termiticide concentrate reservoir 584 and thesecond mixing device 586 can be omitted.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soil,the apparatus comprising: a manifold head having at least one highpressure nozzle for injecting the soil treatment into the soil; and ahandle having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the handlecomprising an upper portion having two spaced-apart tubular shafts and alower portion having two spaced-apart tubular shafts, the tubular shaftsof the lower portion being connected to the tubular shafts of the upperportion, the portion being slidable longitudinally relative to the lowerportion between an extended position in which the soil treatment isinhibited from flowing to the at least one high pressure nozzle and acompressed position in which the soil treatment is discharged throughthe at least on high pressure nozzle.
 2. The apparatus as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the tubular shafts of the lower portion of the handleare inserted into the tubular shafts of the upper portion of the handle,the tubular shafts of the upper portion being capable of moving relativeto the tubular shafts of the lower portion.
 3. The apparatus as setforth in claim 2 wherein the handle further comprises a biasing memberadapted to resist movement of the tubular shafts of the upper portionrelative to the tubular shafts of the lower portion.
 4. The apparatus asset forth in claim 1 further comprising a reservoir mounted on thehandle for holding soil treatment, the reservoir being generally alignedwith the longitudinal axis of the handle.
 5. The apparatus as set forthin claim 4 wherein the reservoir is mounted to each of the tubularshafts of the upper portion of the handle.
 6. The apparatus as set forthin claim 1 further comprising a dosing device mounted on the handle fordosing the soil treatment from the reservoir.
 7. The apparatus as setforth in claim 6 wherein the dosing device is disposed between thetubular shafts of one of the upper portion and the lower portion.
 8. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a trigger switchactuator mounted between the tubular shafts of the lower portion of thehandle and a trigger switch mounted between the tubular shafts of theupper portion.
 9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein thetrigger switch faces downward toward the trigger switch actuator. 10.The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a pressureaccumulator mounted on the handle.
 11. The apparatus as set forth inclaim 10 wherein the pressure accumulator is disposed between thetubular shafts of one of the upper portion and the lower portion. 12.The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the handle can be pivotedrelative to the manifold head.
 13. The apparatus as set forth in claim12 further comprising a pair of stops for inhibiting the handle frompivoting relative to the manifold head beyond a predetermined range ofmotion.
 14. Apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soil, theapparatus comprising: a handle having an upper portion and a lowerportion, the lower portion being angled relative to the upper portion,the upper portion being slidable longitudinally relative to the lowerportion between a first position and a second position; at least onehigh pressure nozzle carried by the lower portion of the handle, the atleast one high pressure nozzle being adapted to inject the soiltreatment into the soil; and a supply of soil treatment in fluidcommunication with the at least one high pressure nozzle, wherein thesoil treatment is inhibited from flowing to the at least on highpressure nozzle when the handle is in the first position, and whereinthe soil treatment is discharged through the at least one high pressurenozzle when the handle is in the second position.
 15. The apparatus asset forth in claim 14 wherein the lower portion is angled about 10degrees relative to the upper portion.
 16. The apparatus as set forth inclaim 14 wherein the lower portion of the handle comprises twospaced-apart tubular shafts.
 17. Apparatus for injecting soil treatmentinto soil, the apparatus comprising: a manifold head having at least onehigh pressure nozzle for injecting the soil treatment into the soil; anda handle having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the handlecomprising an upper portion having two spaced-apart tubular shafts and alower portion having two spaced-apart tubular shafts, the tubular shaftsof the lower portion being connected to the tubular shafts of the upperportion, the upper portion being positionable relative to the lowerportion between an extended position in which the soil treatment isinhibited from flowing to the at least one high pressure nozzle and acompressed position in which the soil treatment is discharged throughthe at least one high pressure nozzle, the tubular shafts of the lowerportion of the handle being inserted into the tubular shafts of theupper portion of the handle, the tubular shafts of the upper portionbeing capable of moving relative to the tubular shafts of the lowerportion.
 18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 17 further comprising abracket attached to the lower portion of the handle, the bracket beingangled about 10 degrees relative to the lower portion.
 19. The apparatusas set forth in claim 17 further comprising a trigger switch actuatormounted between the tubular shafts of the lower portion of the handleand a trigger switch mounted between the tubular shafts of the upperportion.